It was a remarkable June, one of the windier ones that I can recall. After self-torment for way too many years I am at peace, more or less, through the summer doldrums. In my case I just reprogrammed to have low to no expectations of useable wind and to look forward to other activities that complement zippo blow stuff. It is working pretty well. Once the wind comes back I expect the wind lust will come right along with it. Keep the faith and your sanity out there.

I was watching a documentary about Laird Hamilton and other big wave surfers and I think it was Jerry Lopez who described the irritability and loss of focus for other activities when there were no big swells. Laird's wife Gabby Reese, related that Laird became depressed and moody. I couldn't relate at the time, but I can see where that comes from. I wouldn't have thought that kiteboarding would affect my psyche that much. It absolutely takes over your thought processes, and I don't have nearly the experience as most on this forum. I have played a lot of sports in my life, and have been obsessed with other activities, but this is somehow different. It's hard to describe. I could state all the cliches that are quoted in the kite mag interviews, but somehow they don't do the feeling justice. From a pharmacological point of view, kiteboarding must have one hellava stimulatory effect on endorphins. Wind lust is a great term.

How did it go yesterday? I was well powered on a 12 m early on, even retuned it once for less power. Then things eased off midday. It was a nice morning session. Did you have some nice waves up that way?

How did it go yesterday? I was well powered on a 12 m early on, even retuned it once for less power. Then things eased off midday. It was a nice morning session. Did you have some nice waves up that way?

Conditions were the same up this way, Flew my 10hp for a couple of hours in the am Sunday. Surf was in the 2-4ft range with an underlying NE swell in it. Sat was w-i-n-d-e-r All ways good to get wet!!

There is a great deal of useful content on this site for both new and experienced kiters. I would read over the top stickies at: http://fksa.org/forumdisplay.php?f=45 for how to progress into the sport.

and look over the rest of Lessons From the Hard Side for general object lessons. There are a great deal in those accounts.

You might do it the same day with good progress in a place like Biscayne Bay with no waves to speak of and shallow water to standup in. In the open ocean it might take a few days with waves and deep water slow you down.

You will learn from reading over the posts at the above links and others, there is a great deal more to know and skills to develop than simply being able to ride out and back. You can learn to steer an airplane in less than ten minutes. Ok, now land it. There is simply a lot more to learning the sport.

if there is a section or any tips for newbies, pass them my way (pls).

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Q: How long till I should be able to go out, and come back to shore?

(in windsurfing the standard answer was 3 days or less...)

-fwiw, I can windsurf, trick ski,& sail.

TIA!

A windsurfer, trick ski and sailboat can't pick you up 20 ft. and throw you into the bushes or road. Everyone is different and no one can tell you how long it will take. You will know better after your first lesson though. Some take 2 or 3 lesson and some do many more. If I had $100 for every time someone said they would be a quick learner because they did other sport, I would have retired already. Take it slow! You are not always learning what to do but also what not to do.

As Rick says, it is much easier to learn in flat, shallow water as it gives you confidence.

Don't go out further than you are willing or able to swim back.
Know your limitations.
If everyone is riding 7m kites and you only have a 12m, go home or watch.
Get off the beach when flying your kite. Water is much safer!
Keep watch for squalls.
Take you time.
Distance is your friend.

There are many more. But most important would be to KNOW WHERE YOUR RELEASE IS! Muscle memory will save your ass if and when you panick.

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